Proving Properties of a Group with Every Element of Order 2

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on proving properties of a group G where every element, except the identity e, has order 2. It establishes that for any subgroup H of G, the union H ∪ (xH) is also a subgroup. Additionally, it concludes that if G is finite, then the order of G must be a power of 2, specifically |G| = 2^n for some integer n, leveraging the results from part (a).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of group theory concepts, specifically group order and subgroups.
  • Familiarity with the properties of elements of order 2 in groups.
  • Knowledge of cosets and their properties in group theory.
  • Basic proof techniques in abstract algebra.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of groups with elements of finite order, particularly order 2.
  • Learn about the structure of subgroups and their cosets in group theory.
  • Explore the implications of Lagrange's theorem in finite groups.
  • Investigate the classification of finite groups, focusing on groups of order 2^n.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students of abstract algebra, mathematicians interested in group theory, and anyone studying the properties of finite groups with specific element orders.

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Homework Statement


Let G be a group such that every x in G\{e} has order 2.
(a) Let H<=G be a subgroup. Show that for every x in G the subset H U (xH) is also a subgroup.
(b) Show that if G is finite, then |G|=2^n for some integer n.


The Attempt at a Solution


For (a), I know that since x is also part of G, then if multiplied to H (left coset) it will also still be contained in G, but I don't know how to prove it.
For (b), since the order of every element in G is 2, then every set in G has 2 elements, so the order of G is just 2(elements) times how many sets there are...also having trouble proving this.

Please let me know if my train of thoughts are right.
 
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Hint for (a): Notice that every element is its own inverse.

Hint for (b): Use part (a).
 

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